RPM Chicagoland Mini-Kits

[Sokramiketes]

ADDED:  Here are links to help build mini-kits, for those that purchased them.  I'm happy to share tips, what parts I used, and more here in this thread.  I'm hoping we can inspire a group build!  The first link in each will take you to a page for a PDF of the attendee program.  This is the information that was included at the meet. 

2016 B&O M-15k Information
http://www.rpmconference.com/index.php/2016-rpm-program-complete/
George Toman HO build (for reference... how deep do you want to go in N?) https://www.rpmconference.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Segment-001-of-BO-M-15k-Final-2017-RPM.pdf
https://www.rpmconference.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Segment-002-of-BO-M-15k-Final-2017-RPM.pdf

2017 CGW Boxcar with Carbuilders end
http://www.rpmconference.com/index.php/2017-rpm-program-complete/
https://www.rpmconference.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/RPM-Chicagoland-George-Toman-CGW-MiniKit-Presentation.pdf

2018 FGEX truss rod reefer
http://www.rpmconference.com/index.php/2018-rpm-program-complete/
https://www.rpmconference.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/FGEX-Mini-Kit-Clinic-June-12-2019.pdf

2019 IC single sheathed boxcar
http://www.rpmconference.com/index.php/2019-rpm-program-complete/
http://resincarworks.com/extras/extras_minikit3-01_IC_1927xm.htm




In the four years of hosting RPM Chicagoland, we challenged ourselves to create an N scale Mini-Kit to match the prototype Frank Hodina chose for the HO gift.  The idea of the mini kit was to add resin details to a readily available HO plastic car, in order to create a new prototype.  The theme is always steam era freight cars. 

I recently finished the 2019 car, an IC single sheathed boxcar.  While the HO kit included new ends and underframe parts to convert an Accurail car, for N scale I created the patterns by modifying a golden oldie and casting the entire car body in one piece.  New ends, door, roof, and set up for a MTL fishbelly underframe. 

Because we're having a fun competition with the HO guys, scale couplers, grab irons, and all the detail we can cram in are a must! 

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[Sokramiketes]

Lots of good prototype information here: http://resincarworks.com/extras/extras_minikit3-01_IC_1927xm.htm

[wazzou]

Really, really nice Mike.

[wcfn100]

Nice job Mike.

Jason

[sd45elect2000]

I want some. Great looking model.

[Missaberoad]

Looks amazing... Wish I was close enough (or had the travel time) to attend the RPM events...
You have me looking at my 1923 ARA cars thinking of scratching new sides for them...

[Sokramiketes]

Thanks guys, here's a shot before paint. 

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Parts list for this version of the IC car:

1) Gold Metal Models ladders work pretty well.  If you want to carve off the molded in ladders.
2) Intermountain's wood roofwalk fits into the roof holes.  Or, carve off the mounting pins so it looks better than mine.
3) The brake wheel is from GMM as well. 
4) Intermountain sprues gave me the foot board and end tack boards.  As well as the reservoir and brake valve underneath. 

[Sokramiketes]

And here are all four kits.  Shout out to Jason for the work on the CGW dart ends that allowed the 2017 kit to happen.  And Karl for building the FGEX reefer here since I still haven't built one for myself! 

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2016 B&O M-15k conversion of a FVM M53 Wagontop
2017 CGW 1937 AAR boxcar with Pullman Standard Dart ends (also used by C&EI)
2018 FGEX 40ft truss rod reefer
2019 IC single sheathed boxcar

[Sokramiketes]

It's hard to see how the M-15k differs from the stock model in that shot, so here's a lower shot showing the exposed sill and modified end sill of these conversions.

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The other car is an M-27f IIRC, based on an old article in RMC from Bob Chapman.  Both will be good for tire service into Racine, WI.

[Frank Amato]

Really nice work!  The tru-scale couplers really look the part, and don't scream "this is N scale".

  Frank

[Mark5]

Excellent! My only suggestion if you were to do it again is to remove and fill in the MTL style roofwalk "plugs".

Mark

[Sokramiketes]

Excellent! My only suggestion if you were to do it again is to remove and fill in the MTL style roofwalk "plugs".

Mark

Agreed!  That and board gaps. 

This style of single sheathed car would be a great candidate for a modern model. 

[ednadolski]

Because we're having a fun competition with the HO guys, scale couplers, grab irons, and all the detail we can cram in are a must! 

You had me thinking it must be HO!  Nice work indeed!

Ed

[PJPickard]

Looks great ,how do we get one?

[GhengisKong]

Looks great ,how do we get one?

Also wondering. Wishing resin car works offered their tank kits in N scale